The Senate has approved the Foreign Fighters Bill, making it illegal to advocate terrorism and declaring overseas conflict areas no go zones for Australians. The bill passed the Senate easily 43 votes to 12 with Labor and the Palmer United Party supporting the government. Only the Greens, independent Nick Xenophon and Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm opposed the bill. The government said the legislation was aimed at terrorism, but opponents said it infringed civil liberties. Greens... Read More

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Parliament on Tuesday he wants a mature national debate on the goods and services tax but has denied that the government plans to increase the tax. Despite repeated opposition questions suggesting the government plans to increase GST, Mr Abbott, backed up by his ministers, said he just wanted to see the role of the Australian federation debated. Instead of directly flagging changes to the tax, which currently stands at 10 percent, Mr Abbott said... Read More

The passports of 73 Australians have been cancelled because the government is concerned about fighters returning from the Middle East, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Parliament on Monday. The passports belong to people whom Australia’s security agencies are concerned want to travel to Iraq and Syria to fight with extremists. Ms Bishop said the number of Australians fighting with extremists was also up from previous estimates of 60 to “at least 70”. She dismissed suggestions... Read More

Australia’s 21st prime minister, Gough Whitlam, died this morning aged 98. Mr Whitlam defeated the conservative coalition government led by William McMahon in 1972 to become the first Labor prime minister in 23 years. His “It’s Time” election campaign changed the face of political campaigning in Australia with its celebrity and entertainment focus. The campaign introduced a US presidential style of campaign to Australia. Mr Whitlam was prime minister for three years... Read More